The Muhlenberg College mens soccer team snapped a three-game
non-conference losing streak as senior Evan Smallwood scored two
goals and the Mules defeated DeSales, 3-2, at Varsity Field.

The game was the teams final contest of the year against an opponent
outside the Centennial Conference. The Mules (12-4) are undefeated in CC
play with three games remaining. Next up is an important match Saturday at
Gettysburg, one of three teams tied for second.

Anytime you get a win going into a big game, its good for
momentum, Smallwood said.

Much of that momentum came from Smallwoods head. He headed in a
Justin
Marx corner to give the Mules an early lead. Smallwood then answered a
DeSales (9-7) penalty kick goal by heading in a cross from sophomore
Jose Ramirez to put the Mules up, 2-1.

Smallwood is now tied for third on the team with six goals and his 17
points are one shy of the team-leading total of Ramirez. Marx is tied with
Smallwood to lead the squad with five assists.

Weve done a lot of work on early balls into the box,
Smallwood said. Ive just used my size to get to balls.

Junior Nick Richardson scored the final Berg goal and the
eventual game-winner in the second half. Sophomore Matt Pitetti
eluded a defender on the left side and sent the ball to Richardson, who
beat
the charging goalkeeper to extend the lead to 3-1. The assist
was Pitettis first career point. Richardson ranks second
on the Mules with seven goals.

The Mules gave up a second half goal, but held on for their second
straight win. It was only the fourth Muhlenberg game all season in which
both teams scored. The Mules have won each of those four.